With the global car industry in dire straits, manufacturers are incentivized to join forces to share platforms and technology in a bid to reduce costs so profitability can be restored. Couple that with globalization and whatever other economic buzzwords you can find and it doesn’t bode well for brand individuality. The cost of this platform sharing has been in rather unremarkable vehicle designs available on the market.
However, through all of this, there are a few rebellious manufacturers that won’t run with the pack, they won’t just sell rebadged cars. Cupra is one of them.
While the Formentor’s design is now a few years old (five to be exact), it has aged well. Even today, it can still hold its own as one of the most distinctively styled SUVs/crossovers around. It may be down to Cupra’s Spanish roots or to the fact that the ‘new’ manufacturer had to be bold when separating itself from Seat. Either way, the Formentor is still a head turner and even in white, it distances itself from the traffic.
Why do I keep harping on about design and individuality? Well, the competition in this part of the car market is intense, to the extent that I could name 20 of the Formentor’s rivals off hand. Of course, as a car journalist, I am expected to be abreast with what’s available but even still, it can get my neck in a twist so just imagine what it is like for the average consumer who just wants an A to B car. Then again, if you are this type of person, a Cupra probably isn’t for you.
The very fact that ‘Tribe’ is the word that Cupra use to call their customers and fans should tell you that this is a brand that’s not looking to blend in. And the Formentor is exactly that in the small SUV space, its badge still strikes curiosity even now! That’s the kind of exclusivity that people will seek out.
However, Cupra have proved that this sort of exclusivity doesn’t need to come at an eye watering price tag. This Formentor V e-Hybrid was $64,900 and while striking looking, it doesn’t give up anything in the way of functionality. Ground clearance is perfectly suited to speed humps and steep driveways and the wide track ensures that handling isn’t compromised despite the higher ride height. More on that later though.
From whichever angle, the car’s lines are unique with its rear ‘Infinite Light Bar’ being an especially notable feature at night. And while it is designed to be aggressive looking, it’s not distastefully so. The vents, roofline spoiler and large wheels make a justifiable argument in the Formentor’s favour. With Copper being the brand’s hero colour, the badges are all outlined in the stuff, not to mention the large 19 inch diamond cut wheels too.
The story is much the same on the interior where the hero Copper shade takes centre stage on the steering wheel, air vent surrounds and through contrast stitching all around the cabin. It’s a good mix of sportiness and practicality in here. The big Cupra bucket seats offer plenty of support for spirited driving as they do for long motorway drives. Storage cubbies are aplenty as are charging outlets. I particularly like the fact that the wireless phone charger is not only angled away from the driver but is also grippy enough to keep your phone from flying around in the twistys.
The only real downside is the touch capacitive central screen controls which are borrowed from VW and remain unlit at night. However, here’s hoping that this will be fixed on the facelifted Formentor due in 2025. That aside, kudos to the sound system, it delivered very well for a factory unit and I particularly liked the different sound experience modes that could be implemented with a simple touch.
And simple touches are the name of the game with the e-Hybrid, it’s powertrain only given away by a charging flap on the font left side and Copper highlights on the faux exhaust tips.
However, there is nothing simple about the way the Formentor e-Hybrid drives. For one, you can drive it in e-Mode which provides 54km of pure electric range. During my test, I found this to be more like 45-49km with the aircon and radio on, not bad! While the car is a PHEV and you do get a charging port on the front left, the engine can also be used to charge the battery via the e-Manager in the Hybrid menu. Speaking of the hybrid mode, it makes use of the 1.4L turbo petrol engine and the electric powertrain. Efficiency is rated at 1.9L/100km, presumably using e-Mode a lot more than I did on my test. My review average was 7L/100km but I mostly drove around in Hybrid mode, keeping the battery topped up to near full. The combined figures are impressive too with 180kW and 400Nm on tap. Punch the accelerator and you get a brief electric boost to help you along too.
Cupra mode is entertaining as well and can be accessed with just the push of the gear selector. It unleashes quicker steering and throttle responses, not to mention shifts as well which are taken care of thanks to a 7-speed dual clutch unit. When in Cupra mode, Formentor tackles corners excellently, providing sharp handling and minimal body roll. This is no ordinary hybrid SUV!
The Verdict
So what exactly does a manufacturer like Cupra need to do to stand out in this busy small hybrid SUV segment? For one, it needs to play to its strengths, those being its Catalan charm and the other being its sporty history. Both of which it delivers on. Even one year after its New Zealand launch, Formentor e-Hybrid is a compelling offering for the money. It delivers a well rounded package of efficiency, comfort, handling and my personal favourite, exclusivity!
2024 Cupra Formentor V e-Hybrid: 4.5/5
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Words and photos Matthew D’Souza. Car courtesy of Cupra New Zealand and Giltrap Cupra North Shore.
